Stony Brook University is providing unique research opportunities for its first-year students in the humanities and social sciences. The initiative allows students to engage in original research alongside faculty members while receiving financial compensation for their work.
Eva Supa, an English and psychology major, is involved in training a custom artificial intelligence model with European literature from the 1700s. The goal is to analyze societal perceptions among Italian, Spanish, and French communities during the Enlightenment. Tunazzina Roza, studying English and sociology, examines TikTok videos of a Black Lives Matter activist to understand challenges against racist stereotypes. Francesca Marzo focuses on building trust within immigrant communities on Long Island by documenting their stories. Janai Giles leads a team exploring grassroots climate change efforts with aspirations of supporting an international network.
Carl W. Lejuez, executive vice president and provost at Stony Brook University, stated: “Our undergraduates are always advocating for more research opportunities, and I’m pleased that we’ve been able to fund their dreams to experience research and scholarship at a flagship university.”
The funding comes from Stony Brook’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URECA) program with support from the Division of Undergraduate Education and the Provost’s Office. This marks the first time undergraduates have received funding during the spring semester.
Marina Fandaros, assistant director for undergraduate research engagement, expressed enthusiasm about supporting ongoing work in humanities: “We are excited to offer this program that expands student’s perspectives on what it is like to be involved in research.”
Faculty from various departments collaborated with students throughout the semester. Some projects will extend beyond spring.
Roza highlighted her gratitude: “I’m really grateful to have this opportunity so early; when I was looking for internships, I thought I would need more experience first.”
The URECA program connects students with faculty mentors across all fields of study. It also offers travel grants for national conferences and organizes a campus-wide symposium for sharing student work.
Assistant English professor Neisha Terry Young remarked: “I see my role as an opportunity broker...This is an opportunity for my students to find their voices.”
For this pilot initiative, URECA staff identified over 100 high-achieving freshmen who were invited to apply. A dozen were accepted after interviews and received stipends for faculty-mentored research.
Supa shared her experience: “This is something I never thought I’d be able to do...It’s been really helpful in gaining confidence.”